If you are planning to separate from a HUD facility during the furlough, you are responsible for returning Federal property that has been assigned to you. Return of property will alleviate any unnecessary delays when transferring to a new Federal agency, and the release of your final salary paycheck and lump sum annual leave if applicable. To receive instructions on how to return such property HQ separating employees should contact Nelson.R.Bregon@hud.gov and field office separating employees should contact Lisa.Surplus@hud.gov or patty.c.whitehouse@hud.gov. All property must be in good working condition.

The EAP provides counseling, financial and legal services and convenient access by phone or on the web. Employees can call 800-222-0364 or (888) 262-7848 (TTY) from anywhere in the United States to receive immediate assistance, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You can also obtain information and resources online at FOH4You.com (http://www.foh4you.com). On FOH4You.com, you will have easy access to educational materials, self-assessment tools, and specific information on available EAP services.

1/3/2019 UPDATE FOR EMPLOYEES:

OPM has set up a central lapse guidance page on their website, at www.opm.gov. This website provides special instructions for this lapse, and information to communicate with creditors, mortgage companies, and landlords. It is recommended you continue to check the HUD hotline 1-866-463-6483 for additional updates regarding the Federal government closure. For information about Federal Benefits during the shutdown click on this link.

Grants to meet rural communities' housing and economic development needs.

Nature of Program: RIF provides for capacity building at the state and local level for rural housing and economic development, and the program supports innovative housing and economic development activities in rural areas.

Applicant Eligibility: Local rural nonprofit organizations, community development corporations (CDCs), federally recognized Indian tribes, state housing finance agencies (HFAs), and state economic development and/or community development agencies.

Legal Authority: Funds made available under this program are awarded competitively on an annual basis through a selection process conducted by HUD. The Rural Innovation Fund is authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (Public Law 111-117).

Administering Office: Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development in the Office of Community Planning and Development, Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, DC 20410-7000.